Rand Aid's Wild Life

Even though most people hate our monkeys, Frank Brown absolutely loves them and had such fun feeding them the other day...

PS - This is not recommended at all :)  

Tattoo Fun

The other day we had a very interesting time in the OT department.  We decided to get tattoos :)  (not real ones, don't stress).  One of  the Eden Alternative Principles states that elder-centered communities should  "imbue daily life with variety and spontaneity by creating an environment in which unexpected and unpredictable interactions and happenings can take place. This is the antidote to boredom."

So we had a very spontaneous activity of getting the tattoos we always wanted. There was no holding back once started and the rebels among us opted for two to three tattoos. With fun and laughter, we shared our daring creations!

John Lee went for matching turtles.  After the first tattoo, he couldn't stop and added three more to his forearm.  (I believe tattoos can be addictive.)

Liba Chromy chose a beautiful heart.

Marie Diesel was daring with a red kiss on her wrist.

Noel Tilney loves butterflies and was delighted to have one on her wrist. 

Anna Marks showing off her rainbow.  

Madge Gittings felt like a cupcake and then put it on her hand to remind her :)

Ivan Langford copied the biker look with hearts on his bicep.

Maud Davidson couldn't believe she got a "tattoo".   

It was amazing to see how well the residents reacted to this activity and it shows you that you are never too old to have fun.  

Elphino's :)

We are very fortunate to have a wonderful coffee shop on our premises.  Previously, we could only take about 12 residents on our trips, but now we can take as many as we want :)

So, a few weeks ago, we booked Elphino's for our outing. The rain didn't even make a difference as everyone fitted comfortably inside and had a cosy time together :)

Dinah (OTT) Lorna Smith, Anne Schulze and Betty Haughton (who also celebrated her 97th birhtday that day) deciding what they are going to eat.  

Here they are enjoying their snacks :)

Selwyn Katz was prepared for the rainy weather.

Noel Tilney and Marie Diesel said they had a wonderful experience and would like to do it more often.

Colleen Daly showing how good her scones were.  

Ivan Langenstrass who visits the coffee shop everyday :)

Training at Rand Aid

We have had many training sessions here at Rand Aid over the past few weeks.  Besides the caregiver training that has taken place over six weeks in various areas (see previous post over here), we also had "Matron to Mentor" training and Alzheimer/Dementia care giving training.

The Matron to Mentor training is part of the Eden Alternative philosophy that we are striving towards.  Rayne Stroebel presented the training over three days and it was for care centers and retirement homes all over Gauteng.  Many Rand Aid employees attended the training and people found it very informative.  It forms part of the whole culture change that care centers and retirement homes/villages must undergo to move away from the medical model to the social model.

Here are some of the photos.

Sylvia Birkhead (occupational therapist and director, Eden Alternative) who presented at the training with complex manager Helen Petrie

Rayne Stroebel (presenter and internationl, regional co-ordinator Eden Alternative) discussing important matters with some of the attendees including Sister Una van Zyl. 

Chatting over tea time :)

According to everyone that attended, it was an inspirational course and people are ready to go implement some changes. 

The Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver training is presented by Alzheimer's SA.  It was done for some of our caregivers and ENAs, to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the condition and to assist them in working with residents that live with Alzheimer's/Dementia.  

Here are some of the photos.

Mpho, Delisile and Florah working hard.

Lily and Adolphina concentrating hard.  

Zandile and Francina enjoyed the course.  

China having fun :)  

So, ask any of these care givers some questions if you want to find out more about Alzheimer's/Dementia.  

Scottish Dancing

A new type of dancing has been added to our repertoire here at Ron Smith.  Martyn Nickless decided to see what his dancing can bring to our environment after attending a talk on the Eden Alternative at Inyoni Creek.  The residents really reacted very well to the beat of the Scottish music and also to Martyn showing up in his kilt.

Here are some of the photos.

Martyn ready for action in the OT department :) 

The residents loved trying the new moves :)

Ivan Langford and Sarah Lombard with Martyn and Dinah (OTT)

The other residents have just as much fun watching them and clapping hands to the beat.  Martyn also goes to each resident to let them try some movements, even if they are sitting.  

If you feel there is any Scottish blood in you veins, come join us twice a month for these wonderful sessions :)